[Fuzzybear]

So many times I read about pets being "saviours" for people with severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

My extreme allergies prohibit me from having a pet. As time goes on, this and other losses make me feel like having any sort of "life" is next to impossible

Does anyone hear me?

I don't expect anyone to understand as I realise this is "rare"

Sometimes I wish I "could" spill out my "whole story" in one post... This will not happen

Hibernation rocks

[Fizzyo]

((((((((((Fuzzybear))))))))))

Somehow you're here and helping us all. I know it's small consolation to you, but very valuable for us!

❤️

[Rose76]

I'm sorry your allergies prevent you from having a pet. Furry creatures can be very comforting to have around, though they can be a lot work and expense, too. (I'ld love to have a dog, myself, but, right now, I have enough responsibility without one.)

You do sound depressed, which I know gets awfully demoralizing, when it goes on and on.

If you haven't done so, I would recommend that you go to an allergy specialist for patch tests, where they nail done exactly what you are allergic to. Then you might talk to the doctor about whether there is any possibility of working around your allergies in a way that would allow you to have a pet. (Some pets are less allergy-aggravating than others.)

I hope you feel better. Depression is sometimes called a black dog that follows one around. Not the pet you were hoping for, I know.

[Skeezyks]

Hi Fuzzy: Yes, I think I do have some sense of what you're saying here. My spouse & I do have a dog & he is very important to us... my spouse in particular. But, over the years, I have either lost or jettisoned, every other relationship I ever had to the point where now, with the exception of my spouse & our dog, I am completely & absolutely alone. Admittedly this is pretty-much by choice. Over time I have come to the conclusion that no good ever results from me having anything to do with anyone. It always ends up going badly. So as a result I simply choose to keep to myself.

I was struck by your statement that you sometimes wish you could spill out your whole story in one post, but that it will never happen. I often feel likewise. One of the biggest problems I deal with on a day-to-day basis is that there is so much to tell, but no one to tell it to. Some of it I would have to admit is so humiliating that I could never tell it to anyone. When I have tried talking about the parts I can talk about, I always just end up feeling exposed & foolish. I've had a bit more success writing about parts of it anonymously on-line. But it's just bits-&-pieces & it really hasn't helped all that much. Part of this is because I've never found anyone with whom I could genuinely share what has gone on in my life. My spouse doesn't want to hear it. I can't blame her. She didn't sign up for this. Besides, at this point, given my age what difference does it all make anyway? I'm just basically hanging out waiting for the end to arrive.

Yes... hibernation rocks...

[dexter]

I think having a cat would help me immensely with my loneliness and with my depression and with the lack of touch in my life. I had a cat when I was younger and it was very satisfying. Allergies aren't a direct problem but a fear that some of my other health issues would prevent me from taking proper care of a pet have put up a barrier against trying. When depression symptoms are in place a fear of commitment also comes into play. So yes I understand... While I think pets can be great it isn't an option for everyone. Someone here recommended that I try something smaller like a hamster... i've been thinking about that but haven't been able to totally wrap my head around it. I keep thinking of how a cat would seek me out and climb into bed with me when I'm watching TV and possibly start to purr when affectionate.

[Fizzyo]

I don't have a pet, maybe it would help, but instead I recently invested £2.99
In the softest bear I have seen in a long time from a cheap card shop. It's not the same, but I find him (Mr. Chips) very soothing.

Bears are ace, including and especially a fuzzy one who lives in a cave on a well known website.

[dexter]

I actually have a stuffed dog that I've had for so long (over 30 years) that I've forgotten about him... I usually just move him around with my laundry or when I make my bed. Maybe it is time I pick him up and imbue him with personality again...

Going to get him now. His name is Winston and although he's not as soft as he used to be he's not so worse for wear considering he spends a lot of time under piles of clothes.

Thanks for the idea Fizzyo.